5A-Region 4 Predictions

Region 4 is going to be fun to watch this season. We have some young teams that are going to try and surprise, some teams looking for a fresh start, and we have a few heavy hitters that should slug it out for Region 4 supremacy. Region 4 winner? West Panthers West plays one less non-region game as they couldn't find an opponent, and that should help them. They're notorious for facing a tough non-region set of games against out-of-state programs; they don't have to worry about that this year, and they return a strong crop of players in the 2026 class. Due to injuries last season, they had young guys step up in the 2027 and 2028 classes. Because of that, they have seasoned players at most positions and have good depth. If any injury bugs come their way, they're set up for a two-year window that begins now.   Region 4 runner-up? Granger Lancers The Lancers struggled at the quarterback position last year, and they appear to have alleviated those concerns with a prospect they grabbed from Arizona. The Lancers are a phyiscal team on both sides of the ball and return key weapons on the offensive side of the ball and return a prominent group on defense. They should focus on the run, letting their defense shine and take shots deep when it arisses as they have a signal caller with a good deep ball and strong arm. The Lancers should find themselves in a slugfest atop Region 4 supremacy. Other contenders: West Jordan Jaguars The Jaguars are an embodiement of a team. The individual pieces may not be flashy, but they work together as a unit and that is due to the coaching staff they have. A great group of coaches who teach and put their players in good situations. They have a new quarterback coming down from 6A and return a key core on both sides of the ball. They'll need some players to step up in those coin flip-type games, but they should be set up for a good season and make the postseason. Hunter Wolverines The Wolverines return a strong defense that will set the tempo of most games. Offensively, they have new pieces at quarterback and running back and will need their receivers to come up big when it matters. If they can figure out those pieces and find someone to lean on, they can make a deep run in the postseason. Taylorsville Warriors The Warriors have a good quarterback, a strong offensive line, and have pieces on defense that can create turnovers and cause havoc. In the coin flip games, they just need to protect the football, the defense needs to come together, and they need to play the clock game. They should make the postseason. Region 4 Offensive Player of the Year    Kam is our preseason Region 4 MVP. He is arguably the best quarterback in the state, regardless of classification. He's an elite talent with an exceptional arm talent and all the tools to be an elite Power-Four multi-year starter with NFL upside. He showed his immense talent last season and has made all the necessary steps to take command of the region and lead a team to a state title.    Region 4 Defensive Player of the Year    Savery was exceptional last year and is our candidate for Region 4 defensive player of the year. He is explosive off the line, moves exceptionally well laterally, has quick, violent hands, showcases good physicality, and has a good closing pursuit speed to get to the ball carrier. He's primed to blow his freshman production out of the water and has the potential for 20 sacks this season.    Offensive Newcomer of the Year    Tavita was a huge get for West Jordan, and he has a shot to make an immediate impact for the varsity squad due to his ready-made skill set. He is fundamentally ready and showcases a great tool set to be a plug-and-play lineman immediately. He should make an impact on Thursday nights, and should suit up on Fridays and find a way to get on the field. I'd argue he's a top 3 offensive lineman on the team right now. He's versatile enough to line up anywhere along the line, and that should further help him get on the field early.    Defensive Newcomer of the Year    The Panthers are deep on the defensive front, but Mila should still find a way to get on the field with the varsity team. He has a tremendous skill set, is light on his feet, moves well laterally, has good physicality to his game, and quick, active hands. He should add depth to the rotation and be impactful with each rep, and earn more and more playing time as the season goes on.    Honorable mentions to players we haven't discussed during our week-long look at Region 4.    Last year, as a freshman for the Lancers, he came up huge and caused havoc as an interior defensive lineman. He has every right to take the next steps and get double-digit sacks this year and be part of the defensive line rotation, and be impactful. He has tremendous upside and is a player that needs to be mentioned.     Johnson is the leading rusher among the returning players, and he should play a pivotal part for the Jaguars' offense and be a key cog in the run game. He showed he was effective with each carry and showcased good efficiency. He has good patience behind the line and possesses good enough speed to have the burst to get through the first level, and can get to the edge. He could be a big part of the offense early on in the season as the offense adjusts to a new signal caller.     Polanco is a jitterbug and the lightning of the running back duo. He is quick, has a good burst, and gets small through the first level. He's a runner who's most effective on the edge and should carve out a bigger role for the upcoming season.    Region 4 is going to be fun, there are a few times that have the right to claim the Region this year, a few others that will be in contention, and many players who will be impactful. It will be a fun Region to watch.

Region 4 is going to be fun to watch this season. We have some young teams that are going to try and surprise, some teams looking for a fresh start, and we have a few heavy hitters that should slug it out for Region 4 supremacy.

Region 4 winner?

West Panthers
West plays one less non-region game as they couldn't find an opponent, and that should help them. They're notorious for facing a tough non-region set of games against out-of-state programs; they don't have to worry about that this year, and they return a strong crop of players in the 2026 class. Due to injuries last season, they had young guys step up in the 2027 and 2028 classes. Because of that, they have seasoned players at most positions and have good depth. If any injury bugs come their way, they're set up for a two-year window that begins now.